Question

Optogenetics has great potential for deepening our understanding of behavior, learning, memory, and cognitive development. However, it is not as likely to be used directly for treatment of problems such as depression or anxiety. Why not? Consider the limitations of the method when answering this question.

Answer 1

Optogenetics is defined as a branch of biotechnology that involves genetic targeting of specific neurons or proteins with optical technology for imaging or control of targets with intact or living neural circuits. Opsins are membrane bound proteins that can incorporate small organic retinal molecules to become a light receptor. Microbial opsins used to investigate the function of neural systems.

Optogenetics helpful in behavioural studies light off and light on in single behavioural sessions, different light stimulation parameters, pulse frequency.Circuitry of fear and anxiety disorders that can rapidly and reversibly modulate anxiety levels in freely moving mammals. Circuitry of addiction, circuitry of depression, circuitry of autism and schizophrenia, circuitry of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Limitations of this methods are I) Transfection methods- time consuming, it is still a laborious process to develop constructs that maximize the efficiency of gene delivery and expression. II) improvement of Optogenetics tools- it becomes necessary to perform controls under the same conditions as the experimental parameters. III) improvement of appropriate light sources- the light emitted from optogenetic fibres may cause heating, heating neurons may not only alter their activity but may be detrimental to cell health.